In 1953, the second successor to the single-cylinder model R 25 was launched with the BMW R 25/3. While only visual changes had been made to the BMW R 25/2 launched in 1951, the BMW R 25/3 was the result of a thorough revision. The most striking innovations were the modified tank, full hub brakes and lightweight wheel rims. 47,700 motorcycles were manufactured into the 1990s, making the R 25/3 the most successful motorcycle model in the history of BMW. It was the right model at the right time because 1954 was the most successful year for BMW up to that point, with sales amounting to nearly 30,000 motorcycles.